Latest news with #MonumentValley3
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – August 2025 round-up
A mobile version of Subnautica, a Zack Snyder movie tie-in, and the return of Angry Birds are amongst this month's most interesting mobile games. Like Google before it, Netflix's foray into video games doesn't appear to be going to plan. Despite concentrating on mobile – a more accessible sector with a faster turnaround than PC or console titles – the recent deletion of 20 games from its roster, including crown jewels like Hades and Monument Valley 3, isn't a great sign. There's a move afoot to concentrate on Netflix IP, as typified by this month's Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game, which while perfectly competent is a little uninspiring. Netflix subscribers will still find all-time classics like Into The Breach are available, but it may be wise to make the most of them while you can. iOS & Android, £8.99 (Playdigious) Released for PC in 2018, Subnautica finally makes its way to mobile with this excellent port. Once again your spaceship suffers a rapid unscheduled disassembly over watery planet 4546B, leaving you with just an escape capsule bobbing on the waves, which when you begin the game, is on fire. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. To survive on your own, in an alien ocean, you need to harvest crafting materials to make useful props, like The Swiss Family Robinson but with a fabricator. Starting with longer lasting oxygen tanks and flippers for speedier underwater swimming, you're soon building submarines and entire undersea bases. Touch controls are rarely ideal, but the slow-moving undersea environment doesn't demand twitch reactions, although you will still need to make the odd swift getaway from large aquatic predators. The lovely undersea environments, gradual exploration, and drip feed of new construction blueprints remains hugely compelling. Score: 8/10 iOS & Android, included with Netflix subscription (Netflix) Based on the instantly forgettable Zack Snyder films, Blood Line uses Rebel Moon's lore and universe, which means the plot is complex but turgid, its poker-faced dialogue delivered by still drawings of generic, bearded sci-fi bodybuilders. Behind the characterless facade you'll find a twin stick shooter, whose missions – steal fuel supplies, destroy signal jammers, acquire holographic MacGuffin – boil down to shooting some people and robots, activating switches, then defending an area from more people and robots, before being extracted back to the bearded muscleman mothership. It looks fine, you can play co-op with randos online, and its guns look and feel powerful, with a variety of different characters and skills to experiment with. The action is pretty mindless but also moderately entertaining, provided you skip through the plot exposition at high enough speed. Score: 6/10 iOS & Android, £4.99 (Headup Games) Physics-based bridge building games work really well on a touchscreen, especially on the slightly roomier screen of an iPad, and Bridge Constructor Studio is no exception, its interface proving straightforward and intuitive. Start by sizing up the gap you need to cross, available anchor points, and the vehicles you'll need to get to the other side, then make a bridge using as few materials as possible to bring it in under budget, earning a golden screw for each level successfully completed. In fellow bridge maker, Poly Bridge 3, you could view the winning constructions of players on its leaderboard, which was a nice twist, but even without that Bridge Constructor Studio is a polished puzzle game with near endless scope for tinkering, as you try and complete each challenge with fewer and cheaper materials. Score: 8/10 iOS & Android, free (Pusilung) Borrowing the core gameplay of last year's free-to-play Nightfall: Kingdom Frontier TD, Shadow Kingdom may not look quite as refined, but it's no mere rip-off. Underneath the mild plagiarism and less cartoony art style is a much more balanced and interesting game. Centred around a controllable hero defender, you use the winnings from each wave's dispatched enemies to build resource generators, defensive towers, and barracks to train ground troops. Each level's geography, tower availability, and the constituency of its waves of enemies makes it a singular puzzle to unpick. Watching the occasional ad does help the war effort, and there are deliberate pay walls that take a bit of grinding to get through, but Shadow Frontier still manages to deliver a decent sense of progress and thought-provoking challenges, that often take a few attempts to figure out. Score: 7/10 iOS, included with Apple Arcade Subscription (Apple) One of the founding pillars of the mobile video game ecosystem, Angry Birds has been around seemingly forever. Its latest instalment, Bounce, returns to sling-shotting ball-shaped birds, but this time rather than knocking down buildings, you're trying to eliminate tiles by catapulting and rebounding birds into them. Once again, different birds come with their own destructive properties, so choosing the right ammo for each level really helps you get through it, and since this is Apple Arcade, all hint of microtransaction has been expunged, leaving you to enjoy as much of it as you like. As is traditional for the franchise, it's actually pretty tough once you get going, its cartoon-style good looks belying serious difficulty, even if it never quite manages to match the charm of the Puzzle Bobble games, which relied on a similar mechanic. Score: 6/10 iOS & Android, free (IGG Singapore) More Trending A blatant and terrible looking AI introductory sequence, with poorly translated dialogue, helps set the scene for a game that plays exactly like Kingshot and its ilk. That means you'll be refurbishing a cute village, bulking up its army and defences, and joining a clan. After those gentle introductory hours, you're then unleashed into the wider world, where you'll instantly fall prey to players who've spent more money than you and will repeatedly and ruthlessly demolish your settlement. Given just how many games are built around these mechanics, it suggests there's a market for its brand of skill-free pay-to-win warmongering. And yet it's baffling that a game that only rewards you for waiting and paying would be worth making in the first place, especially when it's dressed up in dismal generative AI art assets. Score: 2/10 Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Gradius Origins review – shooting the core in Salamander 3 MORE: Time Flies review – the life and death of a bluebottle MORE: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound review – don't rage against the machine
Business Wire
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Nintendo Download: Flying Sparks and Superstars!
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This week's Nintendo Download includes the following content: Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics: Super Mario Strikers – It's an all-out soccer brawl! Hit the pitch with Mario and friends as they clash in this extreme soccer game originally released for the Nintendo GameCube system in 2005. With simple controls, you can jump right into matches that unfold with white-hot speed and hone your techniques. Use familiar items like shells and mushrooms to give yourself a boost, but the real key to winning is the Super Strike: a powerful shot that can net you two points at once! The Super Mario Strikers game is available today for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members 1 on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Digital Spotlight: Let the Sparks Fly! – It's almost Independence Day, and Nintendo has a variety of games to help you ignite the holiday fun this weekend! Hop onto Animal Crossing: New Horizons to watch the Fireworks Show with your fellow islanders. Or, unleash your creativity in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and launch a rocket of your own design into the skies of Hyrule. If you just want to partake in some pure explosive fun, hop onto Fortnite and jump straight into the action with Blitz Royale! From cozy island nights to sky-high adventures, add a little extra sparkle to your weekend with Nintendo. Pre-orders: WWE 2K25 – Rule beyond the ring anytime, anywhere! WWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers spanning generations. Take control of your Superstar from the women's or men's divisions in a singular multi-gender MyRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens and other Superstars infiltrate NXT to take control of the entire WWE universe. The game features new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters and more — plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso, Bianca Belair and other WWE Superstars! WWE 2K25 launches July 23 for Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-order WWE 2K25 Standard Edition today and receive Wyatt Sicks Pack through July 22. WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition and WWE 2K25 The Bloodline Edition are also available for pre-order today on Nintendo eShop. Monument Valley 3 – Set sail for adventure in this brand-new story in the award-winning Monument Valley series. Monument Valley 3 takes you beyond the monuments and into the open sea. Play as Noor and navigate gorgeous, changing environments, solve mind-bending puzzles, and uncover the secrets of the Sacred Light. With her village threatened by rising tides, Noor must chart her own course and discover her strength in this stunning, emotional adventure. Monument Valley 3 launches July 22 on Nintendo Switch. Pre-order is available now in Nintendo eShop. Nintendo Music: Nintendo eShop sales on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2: Summer Sale – Dial up the fun with a wave of deals on select games from now until July 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT! Shop now on or your Nintendo Switch system to purchase and download games so you can start playing them right away. For more information and to view the full list of games, visit Also new this week on Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch: For news and updates on all things Nintendo, you can also check out the free Nintendo Today! smart-device app. Whether it's news about games, info about your favorite characters, or videos and comic strips — you'll get personalized fun every day. 1 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. 2 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries. Internet and compatible smart-device required to use app. Data charges may apply. Terms apply. MORE ABOUT… NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE Nintendo Switch Online is a paid membership service that allows members to team up or face off online in compatible Nintendo Switch games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Splatoon 3, and Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World. Members also enjoy a curated library of classic NES, Super NES and Game Boy games, including Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Metroid and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, among many others. Nintendo Switch 2 players can use the GameChat feature to connect with friends through voice, video or screen sharing (terms and requirements apply, visit Those without a Nintendo Switch Online membership can still join the fun during the Open-Access Period, ending March 31, 2026. Additionally, members can access the Nintendo Music smart-device app to stream or download Nintendo soundtracks, create playlists, browse music by different categories and more. To find out more about the benefits that come with Nintendo Switch Online, to view membership options and to learn about a free seven-day trial for new users, visit NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE + EXPANSION PACK With a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, players get access to even more benefits, including a library of Nintendo 64 games with added online play for up to four players (additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode; sold separately), a library of select Game Boy Advance games, retro SEGA Genesis games, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC (full version of game required to use DLC for that game; sold separately). Nintendo Switch 2 players can also access a library of classic Nintendo GameCube games, enhanced features for compatible Nintendo 64 games and upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (full version of games required to use content for that game; sold separately). NINTENDO eSHOP Nintendo eShop is a digital store that features a wide variety of content, including new and classic games, applications and demos. Users can add money to their account balances by using a credit card or purchasing a Nintendo eShop Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card. All funds from one card must be loaded in Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch family of systems or Nintendo Switch 2. Customers in the U.S. and Canada ages 18 and older can also link a PayPal account to their Nintendo Account to purchase digital games and content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems or Nintendo Switch 2 both on-device and from the Nintendo website. PARENTAL CONTROLS AND MORE Remember that Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 both feature parental controls that let adults manage the content and features their children can access, including GameChat. Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 players who register a Nintendo Account gain access to free-to-start games and free game demos from Nintendo eShop, and also get the latest news and information direct from Nintendo. For more information about parental controls and other features, visit or Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.
The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
List of 20 Netflix titles vanishing from app forever in days as millions of subscribers told to try them before they go
NETFLIX is pulling the plug on over 20 games - including fan favourites like Hades, Carmen Sandiego and the Monument Valley series. Subscribers have been given a 'Last day to play' notice before the titles vanish from the platform in the coming weeks. 2 Netflix Games is removing over 20 games Credit: Getty Netflix Games has had a rocky nine months, with executive changes, cancelled projects and soon, the removal of games from both its mobile and TV libraries. It was recently announced that 22 games - nearly 20 percent of Netflix's mobile game library - will be axed on July 15. July 14 is subscribers' 'Last day to play'. Hades, Monument Valley (all three titles), Carmen Sandiego, Ludo King and Rainbow Six: SMOL are among the most popular Netflix games set to be cancelled. Read more tech news A full list is available below. Some of these games are still fairly new - Carmen Sandiego, for example, only joined the platform in January. Monument Valley 3 launched as a major Netflix exclusive, but is now set to move to other platforms. Several planned game releases - including Crashlands 2, Tales of the Shire and Don't Starve Together - have also been scrapped. Most read in Tech The company first started adding video games to its catalogue of streaming TV shows and films in 2021. Co-CEO Gregory Peters said in April that Netflix Games had made "decent progress" but remained on a "multiyear iterative journey". Netflix reveal huge list of movies and TV shows being axed next month – with some children's favourites in the mix It comes as the streaming giant has confirmed plans to launch Clash of Clans and Clash Royale have dominated app stores for years - with over 65 million and 18 million monthly players respectively. They will soon be transformed into a television show. The series is in "early pre-production", but no release date has been given. Supercell, the Finnish company behind the games , is directly involved in the production of the series. But Clash is not the first animated series to land on Netflix. The platform already hosts Arcane, based on Riot Games' smash hit League of Legends. Other popular Netflix animations include Devil May Cry, Blue Eye Samurai, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous and Sonic Prime. Netflix is axing over 20 games in July 2025 These games are set to leave: Battleship Braid, Anniversary Edition Carmen Sandiego CoComelon: Play with JJ Death's Door Diner Out: Merge Cafe Dumb Ways to Die Ghost Detective Hades Katana Zoo Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed Ludo King Monument Valley Monument Valley 2 Monument Valley 3 Rainbow Six: SMOL Raji: An Ancient Epic SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N TED Tumblewords The Case of the Golden Idol The Rise of the Golden Idol Vineyard Valley 2 Netflix Games has made 'decent progress', said co-CEO Gregory Peters in April Credit: Getty
Engadget
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Monument Valley 3 breaks free from Netflix on July 22
Monument Valley 3 is finally coming to more platforms, after being a Netflix exclusive since December. The game will be released on July 22 for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Remember, Switch games are playable on Switch 2, so it should also technically be available on Nintendo's new console. Monument Valley 3 is considered a solid entry in the franchise, with plenty of fresh puzzles that play with perspective. You navigate a character through bizarre mazes and strangely-designed levels. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. These games are partially inspired by artists like M.C. Escher, as the pathways don't necessarily follow the laws of physics. It's a whole lot of fun, and sort of plays like a more psychedelic version of the Switch exclusive Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker . The third entry in the franchise brings in a new gameplay mechanic in the form of a sailboat that freely moves between sections. The vibes are top-tier, with gorgeous art and a great ambient soundtrack. We don't have a price yet, as Monument Valley 3 was free with a Netflix subscription, but Monument Valley 2 ranged from $5 to $8 depending on the platform. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. This news comes from today's Wholesome Direct livestream, which happens during Summer Game Fest. The announcements are coming in fast and hot from SGF, so stay on top of things right here.
Business Mayor
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
IGDA adds three new board members
International Game Developers Association (IGDA) welcomes three new directors to its board: Tiziano Giardini, Jennifer Estaris, and Pedro Zambon. They replace several directors who are cycling off the board. Tiziano Giardini is a games ecosystem strategist and builder committed to empowering developers and growing the global games sector. Giardini cofounded IGDA Italy with a group of enthusiastic volunteers in Turin, building it into a thriving, nationwide chapter with regular monthly events and nationwide partnerships. At 34BigThings, one of Italy's leading game studios, he works between production and business development, as well as leading Quickload, the studio accelerator for early-stage teams. Outside the studio, he has been involved in a number of ventures in gaming, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As a member of the IGDA Incubator & Accelerator Special Interest Group, he is an active facilitator of knowledge exchange between global and local initiatives. On the IGDA board, he brings a systems-level perspective, with an emphasis on creating more robust connections, infrastructures, and opportunities for developers globally. Pedro Zambon is joining the IGDA board. Jennifer Estaris was the game director on Monument Valley 3 , Monument Valley 2's The Lost Forest, and Subway Surfers. Estaris is a passionate advocate for climate-conscious game development. With a rich background in narrative and design, Jennifer brings a unique intersection of creativity and purpose to the IGDA board. She volunteers with the IGDA Climate Special Interest Group (SIG) and with Playing for the Planet where she serves on the Advisory Council and Co-Chairs the Storytelling Committee. Jennifer enjoys helping the global game developer community better understand and address the industry's environmental and societal impact. Jennifer Estaris is joining the IGDA board. Pedro Zambon is a researcher, industry consultant, and advocate for the sustainable growth of game development ecosystems across Latin America and the Global South. Zambon is the cofounder and vice chair of the IGDA Incubation & Acceleration Special Interest Group, and founder of an initiative focused on policy design, incubation strategies, and empowering local game communities. Read More Wordle Today (#714): Wordle answer and hints for June 3 As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Utrecht University's Collaborative Technologies Lab, Pedro leads research on collaborative practices and talent coordination in game development, including the creation of TeamMeUp, a platform designed to enhance team formation and networking among game creators. Now joining the IGDA Board of Directors, Pedro brings deep expertise in emerging markets, public funding strategies, research-driven decision-making, and international collaboration. Tiziano Giardini is joining the IGDA board. 'We're thrilled to welcome Tiziano, Jennifer, and Pedro to the IGDA Board,' said Jakin Vela, Executive Director of the IGDA. 'Each of them brings an inspiring commitment to equity, innovation, and global collaboration. Their combined expertise will help us build a stronger, more inclusive future for game developers worldwide.' The IGDA will be saying farewell to Margaret Krohn, Natasha Skult, Rami Ismail, and Guy Blomberg, all of whom concluded their terms and significantly contributed to IGDA's efforts in expanding its global support initiatives, mentorship experiences, and event presence.
